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During the past 15 years the number of reportable mine fires has declined. A decline in the number of reportable fires is a gross indicator that allows experts to say something about the underground coal industry generally: There has been some improvement in overall mine fire preparedness. However, such an indicator is less reliable as a predictor of readiness at any particular operation. An indication of fire fighting preparedness would have to be assessed from evidence gathered at the mine site. In other words, there are two levels from which to view the problem. On a general level, there has been significant improvement in the industry's fire response capabilities over the past two decades. Specifically, however, little data has been gathered on a site-by-site basis to determine what improvements might be made on a local level. These improvements would move beyond regulatory compliance. It is expected that this manuscript, based on work conducted at an underground coal mine in the western United States, will help to focus attention on some central concerns involving this critical issue.

After thoroughly covering the health and safety training subjects required under Title 30, Part 48, of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), mine operators often find themselves with little or no time left in the class schedule for other important t...

"A growing concern among mine safety professionals regards the training of new workers. A major change in the mining workforce is anticipated within the next decade. In major segments of mining, especially coal, relatively few workers have been hired...

This paper describes technology and training that has been identified for underground emergency responders. Historically, underground mine rescue teams have only received training in the course of actual emergencies, or in simulated mine environments...

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; Spokane Research Laboratory (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health); Pittsburgh Research Laboratory (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health);

Published:

December 2000

Series:

DHHS publication ; no. (NIOSH) 2001-114

Description:

"To continue serving the safety and health needs of the Nation's miners, NIOSH is coordinating extensively with stakeholders across the country to obtain valuable insight into their priorities. This input, together with results from comprehensive ana...

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health;

Published:

1999

Series:

DHHS publication ; no. (NIOSH) 99-102

Description:

"Reports of Investigations (RIs) present the results of original mining health and safety research. They describe individual, short-term studies and include the objective of the research, the materials and techniques used, and the results of tests or...